# Can I fly the m500 drone using just a laptop?

Source: https://forum.modalai.com/topic/384/can-i-fly-the-m500-drone-using-just-a-laptop
Category: Development Drones (https://forum.modalai.com/category/44/development-drones)
Tags: m500
Posted: 2021-08-06 02:43:38 UTC by Moderator (ModalAI staff)
Replies: 1 · Views: 495

## Moderator (ModalAI staff) · 2021-08-06 02:43:38 UTC

Is it possible to fly the m500 drone using just a laptop?

## Reply by Moderator (ModalAI staff) · 2021-08-06 02:46:48 UTC

One could use a gaming joystick connected to QGroundControl through a laptop to fly the drone. This does not allow for the same level of precision as a typical R/C transmitter .

Both [MAVROS](https://docs.modalai.com/mavros) or [MAVSDK](https://modalai.com/mavsdk) can be used to programmatically fly the drone. This requires very advanced skill and should still be used with an R/C transmitter for safety functionality.

Flying drones can be dangerous. Please review our [article](https://www.modalai.com/pages/drone-safety?_pos=1&_sid=329401a2b&_ss=r) on safety and be careful!